Smith + Crabtree = disaster (statistical proof)

Who would have thought Michael Crabtree's strained neck would cause Alex Smith so much pain?

After Crabtree missed most of training camp with his injury, his connection with his quarterback has been crippled in the season's first three games.

In fact, the numbers are stunning.

On Smith's 19 passes targeted at Crabtree, he has six completions for 81 yards with no touchdowns and four interceptions. Quarterback rating: 6.6.
On Smith's 100 passes targeted at other receivers, he has 66 completions for 651 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Quarterback rating: 86.7.

In other words, throwing to No. 15 has cost Smith, who has a 66.2 rating, about 20 points.

It's been assumed that Crabtree is one of the "playmakers" the Niners will want to do a better job of "getting into open space" under Mike Johnson. Not saying that's a mistake - it's clear Crabtree has Pro-Bowl potential - but it's worth monitoring how much longer it takes Smith and the second-year wideout to get on the same page.

Here's a look at Smith's numbers when targeting Niners receivers this season (minimum 5 targets):

smh at the first two responses. I could have bet on a handful of posters who would post the same f**king dumbf**king comment "alex smith = disaster" and bigmike + billbird would have been one of the few I would have listed.

Originally posted by Method:smh at the first two responses. I could have bet on a handful of posters who would post the same f**king dumbf**king comment "alex smith = disaster" and bigmike + billbird would have been one of the few I would have listed.

Originally posted by Method:smh at the first two responses. I could have bet on a handful of posters who would post the same f**king dumbf**king comment "alex smith = disaster" and bigmike + billbird would have been one of the few I would have listed.

Originally posted by Method:smh at the first two responses. I could have bet on a handful of posters who would post the same f**king dumbf**king comment "alex smith = disaster" and bigmike + billbird would have been one of the few I would have listed.

Originally posted by Method:smh at the first two responses. I could have bet on a handful of posters who would post the same f**king dumbf**king comment "alex smith = disaster" and bigmike + billbird would have been one of the few I would have listed.

I didn't read these stats and say, "See I told you, Smith is garbage".
I read these stats and said, "Man, I wish Crabtree would've played a little in preseason".
Smith and Crabtree obviously are NOT on the same page here. Smith's QB rating is pretty decent when throwing to ANYONE other than Crabtree.

Don't get it twisted, I'm not a Alex fanboy. But I'm not a hater either. It's painfully obvious that Crabtree is simply not prepared to play. Rather it's running the wrong pattern or making the wrong adjustment to the covering CB, Crabs play is clearly unacceptable.

I'd like to think that with Johnson calling the plays, maybe Crabtree will come around. I get the feeling that the offense has had a "why bother, we can't win with these playcalls anyway" mentallity, including Crabtree. There is hope now that Raye is gone. Hopefully we'll see the offense play with a little more confidence and attitude, including Crabtree.

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